Kaufmanns' Streamborn, Inc.

Lance Kaufmann

Lance Kaufmann continues to run the company as he has for the last 36 years, only now as the sole owner of Kaufmann’s Streamborn, Inc. and Kaufmann’s Fly Fishing Expeditions, Inc. He is involved in every aspect of the business and runs
everything with “customer satisfaction” as his first priority. You can find Lance in the store on a daily basis, willing to share his extensive knowledge in both fresh and saltwater fly fishing. He has fished many of the best destination spots around the globe and continues to search for the next “place to go”.

Tresa Kaufmann

Tresa is our Office Manager and Customer Service/Public Relations Leader. She is also the creative specialist behind the store displays and layout. Tresa was a well recognized Interior Designer in the greater Portland area, having since retired to spend more time working on company projects. When not taking care of all the little details to keep us running, she can be found looking for that perfect fly fishing destination with her fishing partner, Lance.

Jerry Swanson

Jerry Swanson runs Kaufmann’s Fly Fishing Expeditions, Inc. He has been with us for over 30 years, and is passionate about fly fishing and travel. His knowledge on fishing regionally and worldwide, how to get there, and where to stay is second to none. He is truly a “been there done that” guy. Add his technical knowledge in tackle, his being a master spey caster, and a premier fly tyer, and you see why he is a valued member of our staff.

Joel LaFollette

Joel LaFollette is the Portland, Oregon retail store manager. He is a passionate fly angler whose knowledge expands the traditional art to modern techniques. Joel also hosts many of our destination trips, with experience to all the great “spots.” Being the “King of Peacock” his fly tying skills are endless in technique and material selection. Joel’s expertise is a valuable asset to customers fishing a variety of waters and species.

Tiesha Kaufmann

Tiesha Kaufmann is an avid outdoor enthusiast, road cyclist, and mountain biker extraordinaire. She is followed by her partner in crime “Sasha the Shepherd” who is rarely more than 5 feet away. Tiesha runs our mail and online ordering systems, and oversees problem solving company wide. She is a very accomplished fly angler, having fished some of the world’s premier destinations. She knows her stuff.

James "Jad" Donaldson

James “Jad” Donaldson is do it all kind of guy here at Kaufmann’s. His knowledge and expertise allows him to be able to fill in for anybody that takes a day off to go fishing. Be it on the phone or behind the retail counter Jad knows his products and fishing. When not here in the Portland shop, he will be on the river either guiding clients or fishing for himself. There is no in between, he is in the shop or on the water. Jad teaches all our local spey casting, fly fishing, and fly tying classes.

Mitch Harris

Mitch has been fishing since age 6, exploring the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries as well as hooking largemouth on golf courses and farm ponds. Once obtaining a drivers license his search for fish broadened to the Shenandoah watersheds and the spring creeks of Southern Pennsylvania and Maryland during college. Residing in the west for the last 13 years, Mitch has been a guide in Montana, Oregon and Alaska pursuing all species of Pacific salmon, steelhead, trout, and char with both single and double hand rods. Always up for a smallmouth bass or snook trip as well, you'll find Mitch at Kaufmann's, manning the website and graphics duties.

Bob Aid

Bob Aid, a long time employee in both the Seattle and Bellevue stores since 1989. Has “been there done that” so to speak. From Christmas Island bonefish to Florida Tarpon; Ascension Bay permit to Gulf Coast redfish. Bob can direct you to the tackle you need as well as tell you some great stories. Bob’s first love is the Yakima River in Eastern Washington, and when he is not in the store, you will find him guiding clients down the “Yak” as he has done for over 15 years.

Kevin Becker

A Kaufmann employee since 1995, now working out of our Seattle, Washington Store. Kevin has been foul-hooked with the trout bug since the first time he cast his eyes upon their sleek forms. The Henry’s Fork, Silver Creek, Firehole, Madison, Big Hole, Rock Creek, Provo, Deschutes, Yakima and all the destination lakes have taught him much about the ways of the trout, and molded him into an exceptional caster and tier, as well. When not in the shop, or instructing (Kevin teaches many of our classes), you can be sure he is not too far from the trout, if not just right on top of them!

Jerry French

Jerry moved to Washington when he was 5 years old from Huston, Alaska. Having gotten a fly rod for his 16th brithday, Jerry went crazy for fly fishing. Jumping in with both feet, Jerry explored rivers, tied flies and casted again and again in search of willing fish. In the late 80's his focus tured to steelhead and the spey rod. As a result, Jerry found himself a very willing steelhead bum. This new passion led him down a road full of great life-long friendships and adventures. Jerry guides in Washington and Alaska, chases steelhead in B.C and all over the pacific northwest. Jerry is a pure skagit style caster and a very proud member of the "INTRUDER CLAN". Jerry says, "This great life as found me this great job! I am super stoked to be part of the Kaufmanns staff!!! We're pretty fired up too, Jerry. You'll catch Jerry in the Seattle store, cutting up lines and dispensing good old fashioned steelhead theory.

Staff